3 Signs that Deer are Invading Your Lawn
Deer Tracks Mean Deer Have Moved In
Plants are getting eaten or damaged, and you want to take steps to protect your yard, but you’ll need to know what’s going on first. Look for these 3 main signs to be sure that it’s deer you have to contend with.
The Kind of Damage
The first sign you’ll probably see that deer are invading your yard is the damage to plants, shrubs and trees. Lots of different animals can eat your plants, so that is only an obvious sign of deer if the eaten parts are several feet up off the ground. Then you know it was a deer, and not a rabbit.
For plants eaten closer to the ground, you might want to take a better look before deciding if you have a deer or rabbit problem. Rabbits cut stems very cleanly with their sharp teeth whereas deer have to chew more, leaving a ragged edge on the remaining piece of stem.
Another key deer sign is damage to tree bark and higher branches. Deer are the main culprits for eating trees, and that should let you know that deer are spending time in your yard. And speaking of bark damage on trees, it’s not just limited to chewing. Deer will rub against trees and scrape with their antlers during mating season.
Droppings
Deer droppings are distinctive enough that you should be able to recognize them right away once you know what you’re looking for. They leave dark brown pellets, somewhat oval in shape and looking a lot like those small chocolate Easter eggs. The can be scattered or left in clumps or piles, depending on whether the deer is standing still or walking when the pellets are left behind.
Hoof Prints
Since they are large animals, they will leave deep and noticeable impressions in the ground when they walk. Probably not on turf or thick grass, but look around in any patches of bare dirt in and around your gardens.
Deer hoof prints look like a heart that has been split down the center. They are very distinctive and aren’t going to be confused with anything else, unless you happen to also have elk or other hoofed animals in your region.
Deer Repellent Packs - Frequently Asked Quea
Once you figure out that deer are invading your yard, you’ll want to put a stop to it because they can cause a lot of damage once they are comfortable on your property. Fences and other DIY tricks can sometimes keep deer at bay but there is a good chance you’ll need something a little stronger. Repellent packs are a natural way to repel deer, and they’ll work for months without needing replacement.
